Plan & Prepare

Staying Informed - Getting Information about Emergencies

On the Web

Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness.
The NJOEM works closely with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center regarding storm predictions
and forecasts.

Connect with your local information sources. Contact your County Office of Emergency Management to learn about the localized information sources provided by your county. If your County utilizes Social media and/or alert systems, you'll be able to get the links here.

Social Media

Social media and other advanced communications technologies are used by the EMS and by
emergency managers statewide.

Alerts - Mobile / Text (SMS) & E-Mail

Be sure you have a phone charger to keep your phone charged if the power goes out.

If you have a cell phone or smart phone, you have lots of options for receiving up to date information about emergencies:

NIXLE - Subscribe to the NJ State Police (NJSP) on Nixle Connect
Nixle Connect allows the NJ State Police and the NJOEM to send messages to the public by text/SMS, e-mail, and Internet posts. Register to receive messages by sending a text message with your zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). You can also register on-line at www.nixle.com.

NJ Alert - NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows NJ Office
of Emergency Management officials to send E-mail or text messages to cell phones, and other email enabled devices during
an emergency event. Sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to:
www.njalert.gov.

Cellular Mobile Emergency Alert System (CMAS). The National Weather Service can now send free weather warnings directly to your phone if a hazard is imminent in New Jersey. Check with your wireless carrier to see if your wireless phone is WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert) enabled to receive these messages.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from a station nearest your location. NOAA Weather Radios are typically inexpensive, easily available in stores and can usually be programmed for your specific area. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

Traditional Media

Continue to monitor traditional media sources – TV, newspapers and radio – to stay informed of breaking
news and continued coverage of emergency events.

Find out if your community has a “reverse 9-1-1” system or if you can opt-in for email updates from municipal officials.